Living and Learning Through the Magic of the Arts

Category: Philosophy of Teaching

Where are my Students? The school year has begun, and if you are an elementary school teacher, you are probably asking yourself one big question, “Where are my students?” On your roster, you have 22 names. The office assures you…

Here it comes! Evaluation time is here. Even experienced teachers meet this time with dread. Will your students perform well? Will you get nervous and forget what to do? Will the classroom take on an unfamiliar tone and ruin your…

Careful the things you say, children will listen. Careful the things you do, children will see and learn. Children may not obey, but children will listen. -Stephen Sondheim, Into the Woods I had a conversation with one of my students…

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS So let's get this out of the way - STEM has been the big buzzword around education since it became a centerpiece of President Obama's education platform. WHY are we adding the…

I want to share my personal story about how and why I became a teacher. First of all, I'm a TK. Pretty much the ultimate teacher's kid. My grandparents were both teachers - my grandmother in elementary, my grandfather in…

The year started the same way many theatre programs across the country start their year. Team building. However, I think most high school students see that as just something they have to suffer through before getting to the really important…

A couple of years ago, I watched the documentary Thespians, which follows students preparing for the Florida State Thespian Festival. A colleague and I were discussing the film and both of us lamented the fact that we have so little…

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Heather Brandon

Heather is a veteran high school Theatre teacher with a passion for helping other teachers incorporate the arts into their lessons. When not teaching, writing, building a set, designing costumes or focusing lights, she is a busy wife and mom of three. Heather has a BA in English and Drama and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Education with an emphasis on STEAM learning.

Jill Jackson

is an elementary school teacher who passionately believes in the power of arts integration to reach all students. She has many years of experience as a classroom teacher, a dedicated ESL teacher and a music teacher. Prior to that, she held support roles such as classroom aide, piano accompanist and curriculum development clerk. In her spare time, Jill enjoys time with family and friends, gardening, playing the piano, hiking, visiting museums and experiencing live music festivals.